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4 Players that could Sneak into being the Bengals 2nd Round Pick

By Hunter Bittinger

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in for a touchdown in front of quarterback Sawyer Smith #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in for a touchdown in front of quarterback Sawyer Smith #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Safety Jeremy Chinn #22 from Southern Illinois of the North Team during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Safety Jeremy Chinn #22 from Southern Illinois of the North Team during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

If Jeremy Chinn went to a powerhouse college football program, the potential of the Bengals adding him at the top of round two wouldn’t come as a surprise. Because he attended the widely unknown Southern Illinois University, however, many are unaware of his name.

Despite the fact that he’s from a small school, NFL teams have taken notice, as draft analyst Matt Miller reported of rumblings that Chinn could be selected prior to Jim Thorpe award-winner, Grant Delpit.

It’s easy to see why franchises are taking the versatile defender so seriously. He weighed in at the combine at 221 pounds and stood at 6’3. That’s extremely rare size for the safety position. To top it off, he put up incredible numbers, running a 4.45 40 and showing his impeccable burst in other drills.

Yes, the Bengals are seemingly set at the safety position with Jessie Bates III, Shawn Williams, and Vonn Bell. However, the defensive side of the ball is undergoing a revolution in front of our very eyes. It’s turning positionless, and Bengals fans saw that last year as Williams was asked to play linebacker and safety. Chinn could do the same thing and be a playmaker all over the field. He certainly has the size and ball skills (at least 3 interceptions in each of his 4 collegiate years) to do so.

Long story short, the safety title shouldn’t prevent the Bengals from drafting him, as he can play all over the field.

He impressed at the Senior Bowl with the Bengals coaching staff present. With so many pro days and combine visits being canceled, Zac Taylor and company may be more comfortable taking Chinn over a guy they didn’t get to spend much time with.